Nose Sensor

ABSTRACT

A patient monitor can noninvasively measure a physiological parameter using sensor data from a nose sensor configured to be secured to a nose of the patient. The nose sensor can include an emitter and a detector. The detector is configured to generate a signal when detecting light attenuated by the nose tissue of the patient. An output measurement of the physiological parameter can be determined based on the signals generated by the detector. The nose sensor can include a diffuser configured to disseminate light exiting from the emitter into or around a portion of the patient&#39;s body. The nose sensor can also include a lens configured to focus light into the detector.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/913,691, filed Mar. 6, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/451,288, filed Mar. 6, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,537,285, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/448,971, filed Mar. 3, 2017, which claims thepriority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/303,743, filed Mar. 4, 2016, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference and should be considered apart of this specification. Any and all applications for which a foreignor domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheetas filed with the present application are hereby incorporated byreference under 37 C.F.R. § 1.57.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the present disclosure relates to a wearable patientmonitoring device, and methods and apparatuses for monitoring apatient's physiological information using the device. More specifically,the present disclosure relates to the connection of a patient monitoringdevice to a patient's nose.

BACKGROUND

Hospitals, nursing homes, and other patient care facilities typicallyinclude patient monitoring devices at one or more bedsides in thefacility. Patient monitoring devices generally include sensors,processing equipment, and displays for obtaining and analyzing a medicalpatient's physiological parameters such as blood oxygen saturationlevel, respiratory rate, pulse, and a myriad of other parameters, suchas those monitored on commercially available patient monitors fromMasimo Corporation of Irvine, California. Clinicians, including doctors,nurses, and other medical personnel, use the physiological parametersand trends of those parameters obtained from patient monitors todiagnose illnesses and to prescribe treatments. Clinicians also use thephysiological parameters to monitor patients during various clinicalsituations to determine whether to increase the level of medical caregiven to patients.

Examples of non-invasive patient monitoring devices include pulseoximeters. Pulse oximetry is a widely accepted noninvasive procedure formeasuring the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood, an indicator ofa person's oxygen supply. A pulse oximeter generally includes one ormore light sources transmitting optical radiation into or reflecting offthrough a portion of the body, for example a digit such as a finger, ahand, a foot, a nose, an earlobe, or a forehead. After attenuation bytissue and fluids of the portion of the body, one or more photodetectiondevices detect the attenuated light and output one or more detectorsignals responsive to the detected attenuated light. The oximeter may,in various embodiments, calculate oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse rate,a plethysmograph waveform, perfusion index (PI), pleth variability index(PVI), methemoglobin (HbMet), carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO), total hemoglobin(HbT), glucose, and/or otherwise, and the oximeter may display on one ormore monitors the foregoing parameters individually, in groups, intrends, as combinations, or as an overall wellness or other index. Anexample of such an oximeter, which can utilize an optical sensordescribed herein, are described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/762,270,filed Feb. 7, 2013, titled “Wireless Patient Monitoring Device,” U.S.application Ser. No. 14/834,169, filed Aug. 24, 2015, titled “WirelessPatient Monitoring Device,” and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/511,974,filed Oct. 10, 2014, titled “Patient Position Detection System,” thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. Other examples of such oximeters are described in U.S.application Ser. No. 09/323,176, filed May 27, 1999, titled “StereoPulse Oximeter,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,065, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In noninvasive devices and methods, a sensor is often adapted toposition a portion of the body proximate the light source and lightdetector. In one example, noninvasive sensors often include aclothespin-shaped finger clip that includes a contoured bed conforminggenerally to the shape of a finger. An example of such a noninvasivesensor is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/829352, filed Jul.1, 2010, titled “Multi-Stream Data Collection System for NoninvasiveMeasurement of Blood Constituents,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In another example, noninvasive sensors can include one or more sensingcomponents, such as the light source and/or the photodetectors on anadhesive tape, such as described in U.S. application Ser. No.13/041,803, filed May 7, 2011, titled “Reprocessing of a physiologicalsensor,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,345, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The patient monitoring devices can also communicate with an acousticsensor comprising an acoustic transducer, such as a piezoelectricelement. The acoustic sensor can detect respiratory and other biologicalsounds of a patient and provide signals reflecting these sounds to apatient monitor. An example of such an acoustic sensor, which canimplement any of the acoustic sensing functions described herein, isdescribed in U.S. application Ser. No, 12/643,939, filed Dec. 21, 2009,titled “Acoustic Sensor Assembly,” and in U.S. Application No.61/313,645, filed Mar. 12, 2010, titled “Acoustic Respiratory MonitoringSensor Having Multiple Sensing Elements,” the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. An example of suchan acoustic sensor is also described in U.S. application Ser. Nos.13/762,270, 14/834,169, and 14/511,974 referenced above.

SUMMARY

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of several embodiments have been described herein. Itis to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodiedor carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as can be taught or suggested herein.

The present disclosure provides a noninvasive physiological monitoringdevice which can be configured to be secured to a nose of a patient. Thedevice can include an upper sensor body including a recess; a lowersensor body; an emitter configured to be secured to an inner or outerwall of the patient by one of the upper sensor body or lower sensorbody; and a joint configured to rotatably couple the upper sensor bodyto the lower sensor body. The emitter can include one or more lightsources. The emitter can be an LED. The joint can include an upperjoint, a first lower joint, a second lower joint, and a pin. The upperjoint can include a slot, wherein the upper joint extends from the uppersensor body towards the lower sensor body. The first lower joint cancomprise a pin hole, wherein the first lower joint can be positioned ona first side of the lower sensor body, and wherein the first lower jointextends from the lower sensor body towards the upper sensor body. Thesecond lower joint can include a pin hole, wherein the second lowerjoint can be positioned on a second side of the lower sensor body, andwherein the second lower joint can extend from the lower sensor bodytowards the upper sensor body. The pin can be configured to extendthrough at least a portion of the slot of the upper joint and the pinhole of the first lower joint and the pin hole of the second lowerjoint. The upper joint can be positioned between the first lower jointand the second lower joint. The slot of the joint can allow the uppersensor body to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the device. The jointcan prevent the upper sensor body from rotating about a transverse axisof the device. The transverse axis is perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis.

The device can further include a biasing member coupled to a rearportion of the upper sensor body and a rear portion of the lower sensorbody. The biasing member can be configured to space the upper sensorbody from the lower sensor body. A front portion of the upper sensorbody can be approximately parallel to a front portion of the lowersensor body in a neutral position.

The slot of the joint allows the upper sensor body to translatevertically along the slot relative to the lower sensor body. The devicecan further include a detector coupled to the emitter, wherein thedetector has an interface output responsive to light emitted by theemitter and transmitted through tissue of the nose of the patient,wherein the detector generates a signal output. The device can furtherinclude a signal processor in communication with the interface output ofthe detector, the signal processor configured to generate a measurementof physiological parameters based on the signal output generated by thedetector. The emitter can be positioned within the upper sensor body,and the noninvasive physiological monitoring device can further includesa diffuser which can optionally be positioned within the recess of theupper sensor body. The diffuser can be configured to diffuse lighttransmitted from the emitter into a portion of the nose of the patient.The noninvasive physiological monitoring device can include a lensconfigured to focus light into the detector. This combination allows thelight from the emitters to be diffused into a greater amount of tissueand then focused back to the detector for detecting. This provides amore accurate measurement.

The lower sensor body can include a rear portion and a front portion,wherein an inner wall of the rear portion of the lower sensor body canbe positioned closer to the upper sensor body than the front portion ofthe lower sensor body. The lower sensor body can include a rear portion,a front portion, and an intermediate portion transitioning between therear portion and the front portion, the intermediate portion can becurved to conform to a shape of the nose of the patient. The lowersensor body can include a rear portion, a front portion, and anintermediate portion transitioning between the rear portion and thefront portion, the intermediate portion can be inclined relative to thefront portion to conform to a shape of the nose of the patient.

The lower sensor body can include a rear portion that is angled awayfrom the upper sensor body. The upper sensor body can be parallel orgenerally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device.

The present disclosure also provides a method of calculating ameasurement of physiological parameters of a patient includingtransmitting light, by an emitter of a nose sensor, of at least firstand second wavelengths through tissue of a nose of a patient; anddetermining the measurement of the physiological parameters, by the nosesensor, based on the output signal. The sensor can include an uppersensor body including a recess; a lower sensor body; a joint configuredto rotatably couple the upper sensor body to the lower sensor body. Thejoint can include an upper joint, a first lower joint, a second lowerjoint, and a pin. The upper joint can include a slot, wherein the upperjoint extends from the upper sensor body towards the lower sensor body.The first lower joint can include a pin hole, wherein the first lowerjoint can be positioned on a first side of the lower sensor body, andwherein the first lower joint extends from the lower sensor body towardsthe upper sensor body. The second lower joint can include a pin hole,wherein the second lower joint can be positioned on a second side of thelower sensor body, and wherein the second lower joint extends from thelower sensor body towards the upper sensor body. The pin can beconfigured to extend through at least a portion of the slot of the upperjoint and the pin hole of the first lower joint and the pin hole of thesecond lower joint. The upper joint can be positioned between the firstlower joint and the second lower joint. The slot of the joint can allowthe upper sensor body to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the device.The joint can prevent the upper sensor body from rotating about atransverse axis of the device. The transverse axis can be perpendicularto the longitudinal axis. The emitter can be positioned within the uppersensor body and can be configured to be secured to an outer wall of thenose of the patient.

The method can further include detecting, by a detector of the nosesensor, light attenuated by the tissue of the nose of the patient; andgenerating an output signal, by the nose sensor, based on the lightdetected at the nose of the patient.

A diffuser can be positioned within the recess of the upper sensor bodyand the emitter can be positioned within the upper sensor body, thediffuser can be configured to diffuse light transmitted from the emitterinto a portion of the nose of the patient. The method can furtherinclude focusing light attenuated by the tissue of the nose of thepatient into the detector with a lens. The nose sensor can furtherinclude a biasing member coupled to a rear portion of the upper sensorbody and a rear portion of the lower sensor body. The biasing member canbe configured to space the upper sensor body from the lower sensor body.

The slot of the joint can allow the upper sensor body to translatevertically along the slot relative to the lower sensor body. The lowersensor body can include a rear portion and a front portion, an innerwall of the rear portion of the lower sensor body can be positionedcloser to the upper sensor body than the front portion of the lowersensor body. The lower sensor body includes a rear portion, a frontportion, and an intermediate portion transitioning between the rearportion and the front portion, wherein the intermediate portion can becurved to conform to a shape of the nose of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings. These embodiments are illustrated and describedby example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure. In the drawings, similar elements have similar referencenumerals.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting one embodiment of acomputer hardware system configured to run software for implementing oneor more embodiments of the sensor system described herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of a lower sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a lower sensor body of an embodimentof a nose sensor.

FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lower sensor body ofan embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of an upper sensor body of an embodimentof a nose sensor.

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of an upper sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 7A illustrates a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of anose sensor.

FIG. 7B illustrates a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of anose sensor.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 8B illustrates a rear view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 10A illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a portion of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 10B illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a sensorbody of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 12A illustrates a perspective view of a lower sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 12B illustrates a side view of a lower sensor body of an embodimentof a nose sensor.

FIG. 12C illustrates a perspective view of a lower sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 12D illustrates a bottom view of a lower sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 12E illustrates a top view of a lower sensor body of an embodimentof a nose sensor.

FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective view of an upper sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of an upper sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 13C illustrates a top view of an upper sensor body of an embodimentof a nose sensor.

FIG. 13D illustrates a bottom view of an upper sensor body of anembodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 14 illustrates a spacer of an embodiment of a nose sensor.

FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a lower sensor body of an embodiment ofa nose sensor.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a nose sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described withreference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer tolike elements throughout. The following description is merelyillustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit thedisclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that stepswithin a method may be executed in different order without altering theprinciples of the present disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments disclosedherein can include several novel features, no single one of which issolely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential topracticing the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein.

General

This disclosure describes embodiments of noninvasive sensor systems thatcan enable a user to measure, view, compare, analyze and/or downloadinformation relating to the respiratory system, for example, via acomputing device, which may contain more advanced functionality thantraditional systems and devices. The computing device can be, forinstance, a cellphone or smartphone, tablet, laptop, personal digitalassistant (PDA), and/or the like.

Generally, the embodiments described herein can depict several exampleuser interfaces that may be implemented in a user computing device. Theuser interfaces shown can depict example displays generated by thenoninvasive sensor system and may be implemented in any of the userdevices described herein.

The user interfaces shown may be implemented in a mobile applicationsuch as an application that runs on a mobile operating system such asthe Android™ operating system available from Google™ or the iOS™operating system available from Apple™. Alternatively, or in addition tobeing a mobile application, the user interfaces shown can be implementedin a web application that runs in a browser.

The user interfaces shown are merely examples that illustrate someexample embodiments described herein and may be varied in otherembodiments. For instance, user interface controls shown may includebuttons, touch-selective components and the like which may be altered toinclude any type of user interface control including, but not limitedto, checkboxes, radio buttons, select boxes, dropdown boxes, textboxesor any combination of the same. Likewise, the different user interfacecontrols may be combined or their functionality may be spread apartamongst additional controls while retaining the similar or samefunctionality as shown and described herein. Although touchscreeninterfaces are shown, other devices may implement similar userinterfaces with other types of user input devices such as a mouse,keyboard, stylus, or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a usermonitoring system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 can include auser monitor 102 comprising a processing board 104 and a host instrument108. The processing board 104 communicates with a sensor 106 to receiveone or more intensity signal(s) indicative of one or more parameters oftissue of a user. The processing board 104 also communicates with a hostinstrument 108 to display determined values calculated using the one ormore intensity signals. The processing board 104 can comprise processingcircuitry arranged on one or more printed circuit boards capable ofinstallation into the monitor 102, or capable of being distributed assome or all of one or more OEM components for a wide variety of hostinstruments monitoring a wide variety of user information. Theprocessing board 104 can include a sensor interface 110, a digitalsignal processor and signal extractor (“DSP” or “processor”) 112, and aninstrument manager 114. In general, the sensor interface 110 convertsdigital control signals into analog drive signals capable of drivingsensor emitters, and converts composite analog intensity signal(s) fromlight sensitive detectors into digital data.

The sensor interface 110 can manage communication with externalcomputing devices. For example, a multipurpose sensor port (orinput/output port) can connect to the sensor 106 or alternativelyconnecting to a computing device, such as a personal computer, a PDA,additional monitoring equipment or networks, or the like. When connectedto the computing device, the processing board 104 may upload variousstored data for, for example, off-line analysis and diagnosis. Thestored data may comprise trend data for any one or more of the measuredparameter data, plethysmograph waveform data acoustic sound waveform, orthe like. Moreover, the processing board 104 may advantageously downloadfrom the computing device various upgrades or executable programs, mayperform diagnosis on the hardware or software of the monitor 102. Inaddition, the processing board 104 may advantageously be used to viewand examine user data, including raw data, at or away from a monitoringsite, through data uploads/downloads, or network connections,combinations, or the like, such as for customer support purposesincluding software maintenance, customer technical support, and thelike. Upgradable sensor ports are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,950,filed on Jul. 23, 2004, titled “Multipurpose Sensor Port,” incorporatedby reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital data is output to the DSP 112. The DSP112 can comprise a processing device based on the Super HarvardARChitecture (“SHARC”), such as those commercially available from AnalogDevices. However, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosureherein that the DSP 112 can comprise a wide variety of data and/orsignal processors capable of executing programs for determiningphysiological parameters from input data. In particular, the DSP 112includes program instructions capable of receiving multiple channels ofdata related to one or more intensity signals representative of theabsorption (from transmissive or reflective sensor systems) of aplurality of wavelengths of emitted light by body tissue. The DSP 112can accept data related to the absorption of eight (8) wavelengths oflight, although an artisan will recognize from the disclosure hereinthat the data can be related to the absorption of two (2) to sixteen(16) or more wavelengths.

FIG. 1 also shows the processing board 104 including the instrumentmanager 114. The instrument manager 114 can comprise one or moremicrocontrollers controlling system management, including, for example,communications of calculated parameter data and the like to the hostinstrument 108. The instrument manager 114 may also act as a watchdogcircuit by, for example, monitoring the activity of the DSP 112 andresetting it when appropriate.

The sensor 106 can comprise a reusable clip-type sensor, a disposableadhesive-type sensor, a combination sensor having reusable anddisposable components, or the like. Moreover, an artisan will recognizefrom the disclosure herein that the sensor 106 can also comprisemechanical structures, adhesive or other tape structures, Velcro wrapsor combination structures specialized for the type of user, type ofmonitoring, type of monitor, or the like. The sensor 106 can providedata to the board 104 and vice versa through, for example, a user cable.An artisan will also recognize from the disclosure herein that suchcommunication can be wireless, over public or private networks orcomputing systems or devices, or the like. For example, suchcommunication can be via wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,ZigBee, Z-wave, or radio frequency such as near field communication, orother wireless protocols such as cellular telephony infrared, satellitetransmission, proprietary protocols, combinations of the same, and thelike.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 106 includes a plurality of emitters 116irradiating the body tissue 118 with differing wavelengths of light, andone or more detectors 120 capable of detecting the light afterattenuation by the tissue 118. The emitters 116 can include a matrix ofeight (8) emission devices mounted on a flexible substrate, the emissiondevices being capable of emitting eight (8) differing wavelengths oflight. The emitters 116 can comprise twelve (12) or sixteen (16)emitters, although other numbers of emitters are contemplated, includingtwo (2) or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more,or seven or more emitters, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor106 may include other electrical components such as, for example, amemory device 122 comprising an EPROM, EEPROM, ROM, RAM,microcontroller, combinations of the same, or the like. Other sensorcomponents may include an optional temperature determination device 123or other mechanisms for, for example, determining real-time emissionwavelengths of the emitters 116.

The memory 122 may advantageously store some or all of a wide varietydata and information, including, for example, information on the type oroperation of the sensor 106; type or identification of sensor buyer ordistributor or groups of buyer or distributors, sensor manufacturerinformation, sensor characteristics including the number of emittingdevices, the number of emission wavelengths, data relating to emissioncentroids, data relating to a change in emission characteristics basedon varying temperature, history of the sensor temperature, current, orvoltage, emitter specifications, emitter drive requirements,demodulation data, calculation mode data, the parameters for which thesensor is capable of supplying sufficient measurement data (e.g., HbCO,HbMet, HbT, or the like), calibration or parameter coefficient data,software such as scripts, executable code, or the like, sensorelectronic elements, whether the sensor is a disposable, reusable,multi-site, partially reusable, partially disposable sensor, whether itis an adhesive or non-adhesive sensor, whether the sensor is areflectance, transmittance, or transreflectance sensor, whether thesensor is a finger, hand, foot, forehead, or ear sensor, whether thesensor is a stereo sensor or a two-headed sensor, sensor life dataindicating whether some or all sensor components have expired and shouldbe replaced, encryption information, keys, indexes to keys or hashfunctions, or the like, monitor or algorithm upgrade instructions ordata, some or all of parameter equations, information about the user,age, sex, medications, and other information that may be useful for theaccuracy or alarm settings and sensitivities, trend history, alarmhistory, or the like. The monitor can advantageously store data on thememory device, including, for example, measured trending data for anynumber of parameters for any number of users, or the like, sensor use orexpiration calculations, sensor history, or the like.

FIG. 1 also shows the user monitor 102 including the host instrument108. The host instrument 108 can communicate with the board 104 toreceive signals indicative of the physiological parameter informationcalculated by the DSP 112. The host instrument 108 preferably includesone or more display devices 124 capable of displaying indiciarepresentative of the calculated physiological parameters of the tissue118 at the measurement site. The host instrument 108 can advantageouslyinclude a handheld housing capable of displaying one or more of a pulserate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality such as a perfusion qualityindex (“PI™ ”), signal or measurement quality (“SQ”), values of bloodconstituents in body tissue, including for example, SpO₂, HbCO, HbMet,HbT, or the like. The host instrument 108 can display values for one ormore of HbT, Hb, blood glucose, bilirubin, or the like. The hostinstrument 108 may be capable of storing or displaying historical ortrending data related to one or more of the measured values,combinations of the measured values, plethysmograph data, or the like.The host instrument 108 also includes an audio indicator 126 and userinput device 128, such as, for example, a keypad, touch screen, pointingdevice, voice recognition device, or the like.

The host instrument 108 can include audio or visual alarms that alertcaregivers that one or more physiological parameters are falling belowpredetermined safe thresholds. The host instrument 108 can includeindications of the confidence a caregiver should have in the displayeddata. The host instrument 108 can advantageously include circuitrycapable of determining the expiration or overuse of components of thesensor 106, including, for example, reusable elements, disposableelements, or combinations of the same.

Although described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments orcombination of embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art from the disclosure herein. For example, the monitor 102 maycomprise one or more monitoring systems monitoring parameters, such as,for example, vital signs, blood pressure, ECG or EKG, respiration,glucose, bilirubin, or the like. Such systems may combine otherinformation with intensity-derived information to influence diagnosis ordevice operation. Moreover, the monitor 102 may advantageously includean audio system, preferably comprising a high quality audio processorand high quality speakers to provide for voiced alarms, messaging, orthe like. The monitor 102 can advantageously include an audio out jack,conventional audio jacks, headphone jacks, or the like, such that any ofthe display information disclosed herein may be audiblized for alistener. For example, the monitor 102 may include an audible transducerinput (such as a microphone, piezoelectric sensor, or the like) forcollecting one or more of heart sounds, lung sounds, trachea sounds, orother body sounds and such sounds may be reproduced through the audiosystem and output from the monitor 102. Also, wired or wirelesscommunications (such as Bluetooth™ or WiFi, including IEEE 801.11a, b,or g), mobile communications, combinations of the same, or the like, maybe used to transmit the audio output to other audio transducers separatefrom the monitor 102. Other communication protocols can also beutilized. For example, such communication can be via wireless protocolssuch as ZigBee, Z-wave, or radio frequency such as near fieldcommunication, or other wireless protocols such as cellular telephonyinfrared, satellite transmission, proprietary protocols, combinations ofthe same, and the like.

Patterns or changes in the continuous noninvasive monitoring ofintensity-derived information may cause the activation of other vitalsign measurement devices, such as, for example, blood pressure cuffs.

Sensor System

This disclosure describes embodiments of patient monitoring devices thatinclude one or more sensors and worn by a patient. For example,embodiments described herein and shown in the attached drawings includesensors and sensor systems for measuring physiological parameters. Forexample, sensors and physiological monitors described herein includehardware and/or software capable for determining and/or monitoring bloodoxygenation levels in veins, arteries, a heart rate, a blood flow,respiratory rates, and/or other physiological parameters such as thosediscussed herein. For example, a pulse oximetry system may use anoptical sensor clipped onto a patient's nose, for example, to measure arelative volume of oxygenated hemoglobin in pulsatile arterial bloodflowing within, for example, the fingertip, foot, ear, forehead, orother measurement sites.

The monitoring device can be shaped and sized for use in variousenvironmental settings and for use in various applications. For example,as described above, using the nose sensor, a medical patient can bemonitored using one or more sensors, each of which can transmit a signalover a cable or other communication link, protocol, or medium such asthose discussed herein to a physiological monitor. A nose sensor can beplaced on the alar region of the nose. As referred to herein, “nose” caninclude to any portion of a patient's nose. For example, the patient'snose can include at least a portion of the patient's nostril, the alarregion of the nose, an inner surface of the nose, and/or an outersurface of the nose, among other portions. As described above, the nosesensor can measure internal and/or external carotid arteries, veins,and/or other vessels to determine blood oxygenation levels and/orchanges, heart rates, blood flow measurements, respiratory rates, otherphysiological parameters such as those discussed herein and/or the like.

The nose sensor can also include sensing elements such as, for example,acoustic piezoelectric devices, electrical ECG leads, pulse oximetrysensors, and/or the like. The sensors can generate respective signals bymeasuring one or more physiological parameters of the patient. Thesignals can then be processed by one or more processors. The one or moreprocessors then can communicate the processed signal to a display if adisplay is provided. The display can be incorporated in thephysiological monitor. The display can be separate from thephysiological monitor. In some configurations, nose sensor can have oneor more cables connecting the sensor to a monitor, other sensors, and/ora display, among other components

As shown in FIGS. 2A-3 the nose sensor 200 can include an upper sensorbody 204, a lower sensor body 202, and a cover 206. FIGS. 5A-5Billustrate the upper sensor body 204. FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate the lowersensor body 202. The upper sensor body 204 can be rotatably coupled tothe lower sensor body 202 by a joint 208. As described in more detailbelow, the joint 208 can include an upper joint 208A and a lower joint208B (see FIG. 3). The upper joint 208A can extend outwardly from theupper sensor body 204 and the lower joint 208B can extend outwardly fromthe lower sensor body 202 such that when assembled, upper joint 208Aextends towards the lower sensor body 202 and the lower joint 208Bextends towards the upper sensor body 204. The lower sensor body 202 caninclude one or more lower joints 208B, such as two or more, three ormore, or four or more lower joints 208B, for example. As described inmore detail below and as shown in the figures, the lower sensor body 202can include at least two lower joints 208B that extend from oppositesides of the lower sensor body 202. The upper sensor body 204 caninclude one or more upper joints 208A, such as two or more, three ormore, or four or more upper joints 208A, for example. As described inmore detail below, the upper sensor body 204 can include at least oneupper joint 208A positioned approximately at a center of the uppersensor body 204 such that the upper joint 208A is configured to bepositioned between the lower joints 208B when assembled. For example,the upper sensor body 204 can include one upper joint 208A positionedapproximately at a center of the upper sensor body 204 and configured tobe positioned between two lower joints 208B when assembled.

As shown in FIG. 3, the nose sensor 200 can include a flex circuit 250that connects the emitter and detector, such as the emitters anddetectors discussed herein. The flex circuit 250 can be bendable.Alternatively, the flex circuit 250 can be substantially non-bendable orstiff. The flex circuit 250 can comprise various materials including butnot limited to plastic and/or silicone. The flex circuit 250 can be aprinted circuit board, for example.

The nose sensor 200 can be configured in a clip-type arrangement. Suchan arrangement can allow the nose sensor 200 to be secured to (forexample, clipped onto) a patient's nose. For example, the nose sensor200 can be secured to the alar region of the patient's nose, among otherportions. While the nose sensor 200 can have a generally clip-typearrangement, other arrangements are also contemplated.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the upper sensor body 204 can be spaced apart fromthe lower sensor body 202 by a biasing member 216. The biasing member216 can include a spring, rubber material, and/or a compressiblematerial, for example. Accordingly in a neutral position (for example asillustrated in, FIG. 2A), a rear portion of the upper sensor body 204can be spaced apart from a rear portion of the lower sensor body 202. Insuch configurations, in a neutral position, a front portion of the uppersensor body 204 can be approximately parallel to a front portion of thelower sensor body 202. In a neutral position, side walls of the lowersensor body 202 can be generally parallel to side walls of the uppersensor body 204. In the neutral position, the rear portion of the lowersensor body 202 can be angled away from the upper sensor body 204. Inthe neutral position, the rear portion of the lower sensor body 202 canbe angled towards from the upper sensor body 204. In the neutralposition, the rear portion of the lower sensor body 202 can beapproximately parallel to the upper sensor body 204.

The rear portion and front portion of the lower sensor body 202 can beconnected by an intermediate portion. Generally, the rear portion,intermediate portion, and the front portion of the lower sensor body 202are integrally formed. The rear portion can smoothly transition to thefront portion along the intermediate portion. Generally, theintermediate portion can be curved and/or inclined. For example, asshown in FIG. 2A, in the neutral position, a bottom surface of the rearportion of the lower sensor body 202 can be positioned above a bottomsurface of the front portion of the lower sensor body 202. All or aportion of a top surface of the rear portion of the lower sensor body202 can be positioned above all or a portion of a top surface of thefront portion of the lower sensor body 202.

The upper sensor body 204 can be generally flat and/or straight. Forexample, the upper sensor body 204 may not include a curved and/orincluded intermediate portion. A front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion of the upper sensor body 204 can be approximatelyaligned.

Such configurations of the nose sensor 200 described herein canadvantageously conform to the inner and/or outer walls of the patient'snose and/or can accommodate various nose shapes and/or sizes. Forexample, in use, at least the front portion of the lower sensor body 202can be configured to be inserted into a patient's nose and engage aninner side wall of the patient's nose. In such configurations, at leastthe front portion of the upper sensor body 204 can be configured toremain outside of the patient's nose and secure the nose sensor 200 tothe patient along an outer wall of the patient's nose. The generalcurvature and/or shape of the nose sensor can allow the nose sensor 200to easily accommodate various nose shapes and sizes. For example, theshape of the intermediate region of the lower sensor body 202 canconform to an inner surface of the patient's nose. Such configurationsallow the nose sensor 200 to maintain a low profile and/or thickness.This can reduce the overall bulkiness of the sensor 200. Accordingly,the nose sensor 200 can be relatively lightweight and take up less spacewhen secured to the patient. Thus, the nose sensor 200 can be lessobtrusive and/or have enhanced aesthetics.

As shown in at least FIGS. 2A and 3, the nose sensor 200 can include abiasing member 216. The biasing member 216 can include a compressionspring, among other materials described herein. Where the biasing member216 comprises a compression spring, the spring can comprise variousstrength and/or stiffness properties, and/or other material properties.

The biasing member 216 can be in contact with or be coupled to the uppersensor body 204 and/or the lower sensor body 202. For example, the uppersensor body 204 can include a protrusion and/or recess for receiving oneend of the biasing member 216. The upper sensor body 204 can include askirt wall extending around a perimeter of an interior surface of theupper sensor body 204 which can help secure and/or align the biasingmember 216. The biasing member 216 can be adhered to the inner surfaceof the upper sensor body 204. As discussed above, the biasing member 216can space the upper sensor body 204 from the lower sensor body 202. Thelower sensor body 202 can include a protrusion and/or recess forreceiving one end of the biasing member 216. The lower sensor body 202can include a skirt wall extending around a perimeter of an interiorsurface of the lower sensor body 202 which can help secure and/or alignthe biasing member 216. The biasing member 216 can adhered to the innersurface of the lower sensor body 202. The biasing member 216 can beadhered to the inner surface of the lower sensor body 202 and the innersurface of the upper sensor body 204.

The biasing member 216 can be positioned at an approximate center of thenose sensor 200 along a longitudinal axis of the nose sensor 200 thatextends from a front portion of the nose sensor 200 to a rear portion.For example, the biasing member 216 can be positioned at an approximatecenter of a width of the nose sensor 200 between lateral sides of thenose sensor 200.

The biasing member 216 can be positioned at the rear portion of the nosesensor 200. Such configurations can provide a symmetric restoring force,which can bias the nose sensor to the neutral position, as discussedherein.

FIG. 2B illustrates an assembly of the nose sensor 200. As shown, whenno biasing member 216 is coupled to the rear portion of the nose sensor100, the front portion of the upper sensor body 204 and/or the lowersensor body 202 can rotate about the pin 214 towards one another.

When no or minimal external forces are applied to the nose sensor 200,the biasing member 216 can be not compressed or expanded and/or can beminimally compressed and/or minimally expanded. As shown in at leastFIG. 2A, in the neutral position, a rear portion of the upper sensorbody 204 can be spaced apart from a rear portion of the lower sensorbody 202. In a neutral position, a front portion of the upper sensorbody 204 can be approximately parallel to a front portion of the lowersensor body 202. In a neutral position, side walls of the lower sensorbody 202 can be generally parallel to side walls of the upper sensorbody 204. In the neutral position, the rear portion of the lower sensorbody 202 can be angled away from the upper sensor body 204.

When a force is applied to the biasing member 216, such as when anexternal force is applied to the nose sensor 200 to open the clip-typearrangement, the biasing member 216 can allow the upper sensor body 204to rotate about the pin 214 relative to the lower sensor body 202 and/orthe lower sensor body 202 to rotate about the pin 214 relative to theupper sensor body 204. When an external force is applied to the nosesensor 200, the biasing member 216 can allow the upper sensor body 204to rotate and/or tilt about the longitudinal axis of the nose sensor 200relative to the lower sensor body 202, and/or the lower sensor body 202to rotate and/or tilt about the longitudinal axis of the nose sensor 200relative to the upper sensor body 204. The biasing member 216 can biasthe upper sensor body 204 and/or the lower sensor body 202 to theneutral position, in which no and/or minimal external forces areapplied. Thus, the biasing member 216 can allow the nose sensor 200 tocomfortably be secured to a patient's nose. For example, the biasingmember 216 can bias the lower sensor body 202 towards the wall of thepatient's nose in use and/or the upper sensor body 204 towards thepatient's nose in use.

The biasing member 216 can be coupled to a rear portion of the uppersensor body 204 and the lower sensor body 202. For example, the biasingmember 216 can be positioned rear of the joint 208, as shown in at leastFIG. 2A. Thus, the biasing member 216 can space the upper sensor body204 from the lower sensor body 202. As shown in at least FIG. 2A, forexample, this can allow a greater range of rotation about the joint 208.Such configurations can allow for the nose sensor 200 to accommodate agreater variety of nose shapes and sizes.

The biasing member 216 can act to bias the clip-type arrangement of thenose sensor 200 towards a neutral position. Such configurations canallow the joint 208 to be biased in various arrangements to accommodatedifferent shaped and/or sized noses. For example, if the biasing member216 acts behind the joint, as shown, the joint 208 can be biased in anupwards direction to accommodate larger-sized noses. The biasing member216 can be positioned in front of the joint 208. In such configurations,the joint 208 can be biased in a downwards direction to accommodatesmaller-sized noses.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B the nose sensor 200 can include a joint 208.The joint 208 can include a prismatic joint, among other configurations.The joint 208, alone, or in combination with the biasing member 216, canform a hinge-like configuration to allow the nose sensor to be openedand/or closed. The joint 208 can include a pin 214 positioned within apin hole 212 and a slot 210.

As described above, the prismatic joint 208 can include an upper joint208A and a lower joint 208B. The upper joint 208A can extend outwardlyfrom a side wall of the upper sensor body 204 at an angle approximatelyperpendicular to an outer wall of the upper sensor body 204. The upperjoint 208A can extend outwardly from a side wall of the upper sensorbody 204 at an angle that is not perpendicular to the outer wall of theupper sensor body 204. For example, the upper joint 208A can extendoutwardly from a side wall of the upper sensor body 204 at an angleslightly more than 90 degrees with reference to an outer wall of theupper sensor body, or at an angle of 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170degrees, or any value therebetween, or any range bounded by anycombination of these values, although values outside these ranges can beused in some cases. The upper sensor body 204 can include the upperjoint 208A on one or both sides of the upper sensor body 204, or caninclude the upper joint 208A in between sides of the upper sensor body204. The upper joint 208A can include a slot 210.

The lower joint 208B can extend outwardly from a side wall of the lowersensor body 202 at an angle approximately perpendicular to an outer wallof the lower sensor body 202. The lower joint 208B can extend outwardlyfrom a side wall of the lower sensor body 202 at an angle that is notperpendicular to the outer wall of the lower sensor body 202. Forexample, the lower joint 208B can extend outwardly from a side wall ofthe lower sensor body 202 at an angle slightly more than 90 degrees withreference to an outer wall of the upper sensor body, or at an angle of100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, or any value therebetween, or anyrange bounded by any combination of these values, although valuesoutside these ranges can be used in some cases. The lower sensor body202 can include the lower joint 208B on one or both sides of the lowersensor body 202, or can include the lower joint 208B in between sides ofthe lower sensor body 202.

The lower joint 208B can include a pin hole 212. The pin hole 212 can beconfigured to receive a pin 214. For example, the pin 214 can include anaxis of rotation extending through the pin 214 to allow the nose sensor200 to rotate from the neutral position to an open position (forexample, when the front portion of the upper sensor body 204 and thelower sensor body 202 rotate away from one other), the neutral positionto a closed position (for example, when the front portion of the uppersensor body 204 and the lower sensor body 202 rotate about the axis ofrotation towards one other), from the open position to the neutralposition, from the closed position to the neutral position, from theclosed position to the open position, and/or from the open position tothe closed position.

The pin 214 can be configured to slide through the pin hole 212. The pin214 can be fixed and/or otherwise retained within the pin hole 212. Thepin 214 can be arranged to rotationally couple the upper sensor body 204to the lower sensor body 202, alone, or in combination with otherfeatures of the nose sensor 200. For example, the pin 214 can beconfigured to slide through the slot 210 formed in the upper joint 208Aof the upper sensor body 204. The pin 214 can be locked into placewithin the slot 210. The slot 210 can allow for enhanced comfort to thepatient when worn. For example, the slot 210 can allow the nose sensor200 to accommodate a larger range of nose shapes and sizes. Depending onthe size and/or shape of the patient's nose, the pin 214 can translatefrom a first end of the slot 210 to a second end of the slot 210 suchthat the upper sensor body 204 can be spaced laterally closer to and/orfarther away from the lower sensor body 202. The pin 214 can be lockedinto place at a position spaced from the first end and/or the second endof the slot 210.

The joint 208 can advantageously allow motion about an axis of rotationextending though the pin 214. The joint 208 can advantageously allowmovement about the longitudinal axis of the sensor 200 (e.g., an axisextending from a front end to a rear end). The joint 208 canadvantageously allow movement about the longitudinal axis of the sensor200 and/or the rotational axis of the pin 214. The longitudinal axis ofthe sensor 200 is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the pin 214.

Such configurations can allow the nose sensor to accommodate variousnose sizes and shapes. This improves comfort of wearing the nose sensorwhen worn. For example, the patient can wear the sensor comfortably withminimal adjustment once the sensor is attached to the patient's nose.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the nose sensor 200. Asshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the lower sensor body 202 can include twolower joints 208B. For example, the pin 214 can be configured to extendfrom a first lower joint to a second lower joint positioned on anopposite lateral side of the lower sensor body 202.

The slot 210 can be formed in a tongue 209 (see e.g., FIG. 3). Thetongue 209 can be integrally formed with and/or coupled to the uppersensor body 204. The tongue 209 can be positioned approximately at acenter between side walls of the upper sensor body 204 and extends froma bottom surface of the upper sensor body 204. Accordingly, the tongue209 can be positioned between the first and second lower joints 208Bwhen assembled. Such configurations can limit lateral movement of theupper sensor body 204 relative to the lower sensor body 202.

FIG. 6B illustrates the upper sensor body 204 tilted relative to thelower sensor body 202. The slot 210 formed in the tongue 209 can allowthe upper sensor body 204 to tilt from one side to the other relative tothe lower sensor body 202. The top wall of the lower joint 208B canlimit the extent of the tilt. For example, the top wall of the lowerjoint 208B can limit the amount of rotation of the upper sensor body 204about the longitudinal axis of the nose sensor 200 such that the topwall of the lower joint 208B acts as a stopper to limit rotation. Thelower joint 208 can be raised at various lengths to allow a lesserand/or greater amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis of thenose sensor 200.

The tongue 209 can entirely enclose the pin 214 when assembled. Forexample, the tongue 209 can be configured to prevent the pin fromtranslating in a forward-rearward direction, but allows the pin totranslate in an upwards-downwards direction. The tongue 209 at leastpartially encloses the pin 214. For example, the tongue 209 may onlypartially wrap around the pin 214 (for example, hook around) such thatthe upper sensor body 204 can be easily disassembled and/or detachedfrom the lower sensor body 202.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate cross-sectional views of an embodiment of thenose sensor 200. For example, FIG. 7A illustrates an example of across-sectional view of the sensor device 200 in a neutral position.FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a cross-sectional view of the sensordevice 200 in a titled position. The pin 214 can extend through the pinhole 212 formed in the lower joints 208B and the slot 210 formed in thetongue 209 to rotatably connect the upper sensor body 204 to the lowersensor body 202.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate rear views of an embodiment of the nosesensor 200. For example, FIG. 8A illustrates a rear view of the nosesensor in a neutral position, as described in more detail above. FIG. 8Billustrates a rear view of the nose sensor 200 in a tilted position, asdescribed in more detail above. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the biasingmember 216 can act to allow the upper sensor body 204 to tilt and/orrotate relative to the lower sensor body 202 and return to a neutralposition when no external forces are applied.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the axes of rotation and/or tilt of thenose sensor 200. For example, the nose sensor 200 can include alongitudinal axis 200A and a transverse axis 200B. The longitudinal axis200A can be approximately perpendicular to the transverse axis 200B. Theupper sensor body 204 can be configured to rotate about the longitudinalaxis 200A. However, rotation about the transverse axis 200B can beprevented. Such configurations can advantageously maintain an alignmentbetween an emitter 254 and a detector 252 of the nose sensor, asdescribed in more detail below. As also described herein, the uppersensor body 204 and/or the lower sensor body 202 can rotate about arotational axis 200C, for example, when the biasing member 216 iscompressed.

As shown in at least FIG. 9, for example, the nose sensor 200 caninclude a grip portion 220. The grip portion 220 can be positionedtowards a rear of the nose sensor 200. For example, the grip portion 220can include one or more ribs 221 to allow a user to easily grip the nosesensor 200 to open and/or close the nose sensor 200. The grip portion220 can include three ribs 221. The one or more ribs 221 can be sized,shaped, and/or spaced to facilitate grip from a user, for example, for auser's fingers. The one or more ribs 221 can be evenly spaced. The oneor more ribs 221 can be rounded. The one or more ribs 221 canalternatively not rounded. The grip portion 220 can include one, two,four, five, or six or more ribs 221. The grip portion 220 can bepositioned on a rear portion of the upper sensor body 204 and/or thelower sensor body 202.

As shown in FIG. 9, the nose sensor 200 can have a cable 260. The nosesensor 200 can be configured to connect to a cable 260. The cable 260can be configured to transmit signals sensed by the nose sensor 200and/or certain physiological parameters measured by the nose sensor 200to a patient monitoring system. The nose sensor 200 can wirelesslytransmit data measured by and/or received by the sensor 200 to thepatient monitoring device. The wireless transmission can be by acommunication protocol such as those discussed above. The nose sensor200 can include a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and or awireless transceiver for transmitting and/or receiving data and/orinstructions.

As described herein, the nose sensor 200 can measure variousphysiological parameters of a patient, such as those discussed above. Asshown in at least FIG. 9, for example, the nose sensor 200 can includean emitter 254 and a detector 252 to allow the nose sensor 200 tomeasure the patient's physiological parameters.

Various arrangements and/or configurations of the emitter 254 and thedetector 252 can allow the nose sensor 200 to take more accuratemeasurements. For example, the emitter 254 can be a light-emitting diode(LED). The emitter 254 can emit light of a certain wavelength. The lightemitter 254 can emit light of different wavelengths in sequence withonly one emitter emitting light at a given time, thereby forming a pulsesequence. The number of emitters is not limiting and can range from twoto eight. Detailed descriptions and additional examples of the lightemitters are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referenced above.

The detector 252 can detect light from the emitter 254 after the lightpasses through and is attenuated by tissue of the patient's nose. Forexample, the detector 252 can comprise photodetectors, photodiodes,phototransistors, and/or the like. Additional details of thephotodetector are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,880, referencedabove. The detector 252 can generate an electrical signal based on thedetected light from the emitter 254. The signal of the detected lightfrom the emitter 254 can be input into a signal processor describedherein, such that the signal processor can process an output of thesensor 200.

The nose sensor 200 can include a diffuser 258 which can allow thediffusion of light prior to entering the tissue. The diffuser 258 canadvantageously spread out, disseminate, and/or scatter light exitingfrom the emitter 254 into and/or around a portion of a patient's body,for example. This can permit light originating from the emitter 254 topass through a wider region or area of a patient's body, and thus betterfacilitate collection of physiological parameters (such as thosediscussed above). The detector 252 can be sized and shaped to receivethe optical radiation after it attenuates through tissue and fluids of aportion of a body. Diffusing light prior to entering the tissue can beadvantageous because the light is allowed to pass through more tissue.This allows the light to sample more of the body tissue before beingdetected. It also provides for more even and consistent light across alarger portion of tissue.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an emitter 254 wherein a diffuser 258 ispositioned proximate to the emitter 254 within the upper sensor body204, for example, in front of the emitter 254. The emitter 254 can bepositioned within the upper sensor body 204. The upper sensor body 204can include a recess 256 shaped to fit the diffuser 258. When assembled,the diffuser 258 can be positioned within the recess 256 of the uppersensor body 204. Such configurations can advantageously assist indesensitizing the nose sensor 200 to various geometric variations. Forexample, positioning the diffuser 258 within a recess 256 of the uppersensor body 204 can reduce the bulkiness and/or the obtrusiveness of thenose sensor 200 while also including the diffuser 258 which affordsbenefits such as those discussed herein. Thus, the recess 256 in theupper sensor body 204 can allow the nose sensor 200 to maintain a lowprofile while still beneficially including a diffuser (see e.g., FIG.10A).

The diffuser 258 can be entirely positioned within the recess 256 of theupper sensor body 204. The diffuser 258 can be at least partiallypositioned within the recess 256 of the upper sensor body 204. Forexample, a portion of the diffuser 258 can extend outside of the recess256 of the upper sensor body 204.

The positioning of the diffuser 258 within the recess 256 of the uppersensor body 204 can allow for a diffuser 258 with increased thickness tobe used. The positioning of the diffuser 258 within the recess 256 ofthe upper sensor body 204 can allow for a diffuser 258 to be used withan increased diameter. In certain configurations described herein, thediffuser 258 positioning, size, and/or thickness can advantageouslyprovide greater homogeneity across the diffuser 258. The diffuser 258,when positioned in front of the emitter 254, can trade directionalityand intensity (of light transmitted by the emitter 254) for homogeneityof illumination. The size and/or shape (e.g., thickness and/or diameter)of the diffuser 258 can help to avoid edge effects. Similarly, theproximity of the diffuser 258 relative to the emitter 254 can help toavoid edge effects. Such configurations can advantageously help todesensitize the nose sensor 200 to geometric variability. For example,the size and/or shape of the diffuser 258 and/or the positioning of thediffuser 258 can allow the nose sensor 200 to accommodate various noseshapes and/or sizes, and/or accurately measure a patient's physiologicalparameters.

The diffuser 258 can comprise silicone. For example, the diffuser 258can include white silicone to scatter a greater amount of light and/ormore accurately measure a patient's physiological parameters. Thediffuser 258 can comprise materials other than silicone. For example,the diffuser 258 can comprise acrylic and/or plastics such aspolycarbonate and/or polycarbonate film or sheets. The diffuser 258 cancomprise glass such as opal glass, ground glass, patterned glass, and/ora combination of such materials. The diffuser 258 can also compriseother materials with varying material properties and/or characteristics.The diffuser 258 can comprise one or more layers with different materialproperties and/or characteristics. For example, the diffuser 258 cancomprise, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six ormore, seven or more, or eight or more layers with different materialproperties and/or characteristics. Additionally, the diffuser 258 cancomprise one or more layers with similar material properties and/orcharacteristics. For example, the diffuser 258 can comprise, two ormore, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven ormore, or eight or more layers with similar material properties and/orcharacteristics.

The nose sensor 200 can include a cover 206. The cover 206 can becoupled to an outer wall of the upper sensor body 204 to enclose theemitter 254. For example, the cover 206 can be coupled to the uppersensor body in a snap-fit configuration such that the cover 206 snapsinto place to enclose the emitter 254. The cover 206 can advantageouslyretain the emitter 254 in the proper position. The cover 206 canadvantageously isolate the area in front of the emitter 254 so as toprevent external light from entering the portion of the patient's nosewhere the emitter 254 is configured to emit light into. This can reduceinaccuracies and/or imprecision involved in the measuring ofphysiological parameters by the nose sensor 200.

As shown in at least FIGS. 2A and 9, the nose sensor 200 can include adetector 252. The detector 252 can be positioned within the lower sensorbody 202. For example, the lower sensor body 202 can include an openingformed in an inner surface of the lower sensor body 202 to allow thedetector 252 to more easily detect light. The nose sensor 200 caninclude a shield and/or screen over the opening which can cover thedetector 252. The nose sensor 200 can include a lens on and/or aroundthe detector 252. This lens can advantageously help focus light into thedetector 252. For example, the lens can help focus light transmittedthrough a portion of a patient's body, such as a nose, and originatingfrom the emitter 254. The lens can comprise various materials. Forexample, the lens can comprise glass and/or plastic. The lens can alsocomprise various optical refractive properties. For example, the lenscan vary in thickness, curvature, refractive index, focal length, and/orother properties. The lens can be a simple lens. For example, the lenscan comprise a single piece of transparent material. Alternatively, thelens can be a compound lens. For example, the lens can comprise one ormore simple lenses arranged about a common axis. For example, the lenscan comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, orsix or more simple lenses arranged about a common axis.

In the neutral position, the emitter 254 can be positioned approximatelyparallel to the detector 252. In use, the detector 252 can be positionedwithin the lower sensor body 202 such that the emitter 254 remains inalignment with the detector 252 as the nose sensor 200 is attached to apatient. Thus, the emitter 254 can remain in alignment with the detector252 regardless of the shape and/or size of the patient's nose. This canadvantageously allow for accurate measurements of physiologicalparameters to be collected.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the diffuser 258 can remain aligned with at leasta portion of the emitter 254 in use. For example, an emitter active area257 can be positioned along at least a portion of the diffuser 258. Suchconfigurations can allow the diffuser 258 and emitter 254 to remainaligned, and can also allow light emitted from the emitter 254 to beappropriately aimed at the diffuser 258. Such configurations can allowfor greater homogeneity across the diffuser 258, as diffusers 258 withincreased diameters and/or thicknesses can be used as discussed herein.

In use, when the nose sensor 200 is attached to the patient, forexample, clipped onto the patient, the detector 252 can be configured tobe positioned within the patient's nose, while the emitter 254 can beconfigured to remain outside of the patient's nose in alignment with thedetector 252. Alternatively, when the nose sensor 200 is attached to thepatient, for example, clipped onto the patient, the emitter 254 can beconfigured to be positioned within the patient's nose, while thedetector 252 can be configured to remain outside of the patient's nosein alignment with the emitter 254. Thus, the nose sensor 200 canaccurately measure a patient's physiological parameters when the nosesensor 200 is attached to the patient.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative design of the nose sensor 300. Thenose sensor 300 can be similar to or identical to the nose sensor 200discussed above in any or all respects. As shown in FIG. 11, the nosesensor 300 can include an upper sensor body 304, a lower sensor body302, and a joint 308, which can be respectively similar to the uppersensor body 204, the lower sensor body 202, and the joint 208 asdescribed above in connection with the nose sensor 200. The nose sensor300 can include any one, or any combination, of features of the nosesensor 200. For example, the nose sensor 300 can include the diffuser258 and/or the lens discussed above.

For example, the nose sensor 300 can include a lower sensor body 302.The lower sensor body 302 may be the same or otherwise substantiallysimilar to the lower sensor body 202 discussed above in connection withthe nose sensor 200.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12E, the lower sensor body 302 can be generallycurved. For example, the lower sensor body 302 can include a rearportion, an intermediate portion, and a front portion. The rear portionand the front portion of the lower sensor body 302 are connected by theintermediate portion. Generally, the rear portion, the intermediateportion, and the front portion of the lower sensor body 302 areintegrally formed. As shown, the rear portion smoothly transitions tothe front portion along the intermediate portion.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12E, the rear portion can begenerally flat. The biasing member, as discussed in more detail below,can be attached to a flat portion of the rear portion of the lowersensor body 302. The rear portion can be angled upwards towards thejoint 308.

Generally, the intermediate portion of the lower sensor body 302 can becurved and/or inclined. For example, the intermediate portion can beinclined from the joint towards the front portion. The intermediateportion of the lower sensor body 302 can be formed with the rear portionby a step. The step can be rounded, flat, curved, and/or squared. Forexample, the intermediate portion can be positioned at least partiallyabove the rear portion when the lower sensor body 302 is positioned inthe neutral position (for example, when no and/or minimal externalforces are applied to the nose sensor).

The front portion of the lower sensor body 302 can be generally taperedand/or angled. For example, as shown, the front portion extends at anangle downwards relative to the intermediate portion away from the rearportion of the lower sensor body 302. Such configurations canadvantageously allow at least the intermediate and/or front portion ofthe lower sensor body 302 to conform to an inner wall of the patient'snose. Thus, the lower sensor body 302 can more easily accommodatevarious nose shapes and sizes. This can enhance the overall comfort tothe patient of wearing the nose sensor 300.

The nose sensor 300 can include an upper sensor body 304. The uppersensor body 304 may be the same or otherwise substantially similar tothe upper sensor body 204 discussed above in connection with the nosesensor 200.

As shown in at least FIGS. 11 and 13A-13B, the upper sensor body 304 canbe generally curved. For example, the upper sensor body can include arear portion, an intermediate portion, and a front portion. The rearportion and the front portion of the upper sensor body 304 are connectedby the intermediate portion. Generally, the rear portion, intermediateportion, and the front portion of the upper sensor body 304 areintegrally formed. As shown, the rear portion smoothly transitions tothe front portion along the intermediate portion.

Generally, the intermediate portion of the upper sensor body 304 can becurved and/or inclined. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, theintermediate portion can include a convex portion and a concave portion.As shown, as the upper sensor body 304 extends along a length of thenose sensor 300, the upper sensor body 304 can be angled downwardstowards from the rear portion towards the joint 308 along the convexportion and/or upwards towards the front portion from the joint 308along the concave portion. As a result, an apex of the convex portion ofthe intermediate portion can be positioned lower than an apex of theconcave portion of the intermediate portion. Such configurations canadvantageously follow or conform to a shape of a patient's nostriland/or curved nose shape.

The front portion of the upper sensor body 304 can be angled downwardsaway from the rear portion. The front portion of the upper sensor body304 can include the same and/or similar curvature and/or shape as thefront portion of the lower sensor body 302 to allow the upper sensorbody 304 and the lower sensor body 302 to remain spaced apart by a samedistance along the length of the nose sensor 300 when the nose sensor isin the neutral position (for example, no and/or minimal external forcesare applied to the nose sensor).

Such configurations of the nose sensor 300 described herein canadvantageously conform to the inner and/or outer walls of the patient'snose and/or can accommodate various nose shapes and/or sizes. Forexample, in use, at least the front portion of the lower sensor body 302can be configured to be inserted into and conform to a patient's noseand engage an inner side wall of the patient's nose. In suchconfigurations, at least the concave portion of the intermediate portionand the front portion of the upper sensor body 304 can be configured tobe secured to an outer wall of the patient's nose (for example, the alarregion of the patient's nose). The general curvature and/or shape of theupper sensor body 304 and/or the lower sensor body 302 can allow thenose sensor 300 to easily accommodate various nose shapes and sizes. Forexample, the shape of the intermediate region and/or the front region ofthe lower sensor body 302 can conform to an inner surface of thepatient's nose. In some examples, the shape of the intermediate regionand/or the front region of the upper sensor body 304 can conform to anouter surface of the patient's nose. Such configurations allow the nosesensor 300 to maintain a low profile and/or thickness. The upper sensorbody 304 and/or the lower sensor body 302 can have a reduced width. Thereduced thickness and/or width of the nose sensor 300 can reduce theoverall bulkiness of the sensor. Accordingly, the nose sensor 300 can berelatively lightweight and take up less space when secured to thepatient, inside and/or outside of the patient's nose. Thus, the nosesensor 300 can be less obtrusive and/or have enhanced aesthetics.

The upper sensor body 302 can have a greater length relative to thelower sensor body 304. For example, the front portion of the uppersensor body can be positioned at least partially or in some instancesentirely forwards of the lower sensor body 302. Such configurations canadvantageously help to reduce stress and strain on the joint 308 and/orprovide better coupling to the communications link.

The upper sensor body 304 can be spaced apart from the lower sensor body302 by a biasing member 316 (see FIG. 11). The biasing member 316 can besimilar to or identical to the biasing member 216 discussed above in anyor all respects. For example, the biasing member 316 can include acompression spring, among other materials described herein. Where thebiasing member 316 includes a compression spring, the spring cancomprise various strength and/or stiffness properties, and/or othermaterial properties. The biasing member 316 can be in contact with or becoupled to the upper sensor body 304 and/or the lower sensor body 302.For example, the upper sensor body 304 can include a protrusion and/orrecess for receiving one end of the biasing member 316. The protrusionand/or recess can have an increased height or depth to reduce thelikelihood that the biasing member 316 would fall out and/or bedisengaged from a portion of the nose sensor 300. The biasing member 316can be adhered to the inner surface of the upper sensor body 304 and/orthe lower sensor body 302.

The nose sensor 300 can include a joint 308, which can be similar oridentical to the joint 208, in any or all respects. The joint 308 caninclude an upper joint 308A and a lower joint 308B (see FIG. 11). Asshown, the lower joint 308B may be formed in the lower sensor body 302.For example, the lower joint 308B can be formed in the intermediateportion of the lower sensor body 302. The lower joint 308B can be formedin the step of the intermediate portion of the lower sensor body 302.Such configurations can provide a nose sensor 300 having a reducedprofile, as the upper sensor body 304 may be positioned closer to thelower sensor body 302.

The nose sensor 300 discussed herein can measure various physiologicalparameters of a patient, such as those discussed above. The nose sensor300 can include an emitter 354 and a detector 352 to allow the nosesensor 300 to measure the patient's physiological parameters. Theemitter 354 and/or the detector 353 can be similar to or identical tothe emitter 254 and/or the detector 252 of the nose sensor 200, in anyor all respects.

The emitter 354 can be coupled to the upper sensor body 304 and thedetector 352 can be coupled to the lower sensor body 302. However, theemitter 354 can be coupled to the lower sensor body 302 and the detector352 can be coupled to the upper sensor body 304.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative design of the nose sensor 300 which caninclude an emitter 354 (not shown) coupled to the upper sensor body 304.The emitter 354 can be positioned within an aperture in the upper sensorbody 304. The emitter 354 can be coupled directly with an inner surface350 of a front portion of the upper sensor body 304 (see FIG. 13A). Forexample, the emitter 352 may not be positioned within an aperture in theupper sensor body 304. The upper sensor body 304 can be coupled to, oris integrally formed with, a spacer 370 (see FIG. 14). Spacer 370 cancomprise various shapes and/or sizes, so as to fit within at least aportion of the upper sensor body 304, such as the inner surface 350. Forexample, the spacer 370 can comprise a pyramid-like shape (see FIG. 14).The spacer 370 can comprise a pyramid-like shape and also includes anopening in a center portion which allows at least a portion of theemitter 354 to be placed therewithin. The spacer 370 can space theemitter 354 outwardly from an inner surface 350 of the upper sensor body304 (see FIG. 13A). Such configurations can advantageously allow theemitter 354 to be positioned closer to the skin of the patient, whichcan help to maintain engagement between the emitter 354 and the patient.For example, the spacer 370 can be positioned between the inner surface350 of the upper sensor body 304 and the emitter 354. The nose sensor300 can include a diffuser at or around the emitter 354 and/or at theopening in the spacer 370. This diffuser can be similar or identical tothe diffuser discussed above with reference to nose sensor 200 andemitter 254 in any or all respects.

As shown in FIG. 14, for example, the emitter 354 can be encased and/orenclosed by the spacer 370. The spacer 370 can encase at least a portionof the emitter 354. For example, the spacer 370 can encase the emitter354 leaving an inner face open (for example, a face of the emitter 354that faces the detector 352 in use). For example, the spacer 370 caninclude an opening in which the emitter 354 is positioned. The spacer370 can increase the amount of light that enters the patient's nose,similar to the diffuser discussed above. For example, the spacer 370 caninclude a material that surrounds the emitter 352 and/or the opening inthe spacer 370 to spread or scatter light before entering the patient'sskin. The material can include white dynaflex, and/or ceramic, amongother materials, and/or coatings, such as a clear versaflex.

The detector 352 can be coupled to the lower sensor body 302. Forexample, the detector 352 can be adhered to an inner surface of thefront portion of the lower sensor body 302. As shown in FIG. 15, thelower sensor body 302 can include the detector 352. The nose sensor 300can include a lower sensor body cover 372 which can be coupled to anouter wall of the lower sensor body 302 to enclose the detector 352. Forexample, the cover 372 can be coupled to the lower sensor body 302 in asnap-fit configuration such that the cover 372 snaps into place toenclose the detector 352. The cover 372 can be configured to preventexternal and/or stray light from reaching the detector 352. For example,when the nose sensor 300 is secured to a portion of a patient's body,such as a nose, the cover 372 can surround and enclose the detector 352so that external light is not allowed to contact the detector 352. Thiscan ensure that the detector 352 receives primarily (or only) lightand/or optical radiation that originates from the emitter 354 andattenuates through the patient's tissue and/or fluids, as opposed toexternal or stray light. This configuration can advantageously increasethe accuracy of the physiological measurements collected from the nosesensor 300. The cover 372 can comprise silicone, such as a blacksilicone and/or other materials. The cover 372 can advantageouslyprovide a biocompatible barrier over the detector 352. The blacksilicone of the cover 372 can help to prevent stray light from reachingthe detector 352 as described above. The cover 372 can include a rimextending along a perimeter of the cover 372 which, when adjacent to apatient's skin during nose sensor 300 securement to a nose, additionallyhelps prevent external light from getting to the detector 352. Suchconfigurations can advantageously provide more accurate measurements.

The nose sensor 300 can include a lens on and/or around the detector352. This lens can advantageously help focus light into the detector352. For example, the lens can help focus light transmitted through aportion of a patient's body, such as a nose, and originating from theemitter 354. The lens can comprise various materials. For example, thelens can comprise glass and/or plastic. The lens can also comprisevarious optical refractive properties. For example, the lens can vary inthickness, curvature, refractive index, focal length, and/or otherproperties. The lens can be a simple lens. For example, the lens cancomprise a single piece of transparent material. Alternatively, the lenscan be a compound lens. For example, the lens can comprise one or moresimple lenses arranged about a common axis. For example, the lens cancomprise two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or sixor more simple lenses arranged about a common axis.

As discussed above, the emitter 354 can be coupled to the upper sensorbody 304 and the detector 352 can be coupled to the lower sensor body302. The upper sensor body 304 is configured to conform to an outersurface of the patient's nose, while the lower sensor body 302 isconfigured to be inserted into a patient's nose and conform to an innerwall of the patient's nose. In use, the emitter 354 (for example, whichis positioned outside of the nose) is configured to be directed towardsthe detector 352 (for example, which is positioned inside of the nose).Such configurations can provide more comfort to the patient. Suchconfigurations can provide higher PI values, more stable ratios and/ormeasurements, and/or more accurate measurements of the patient'sphysiological parameters, among others.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative design of the nose sensor 400. Thenose sensor 400 can be similar to or identical to the nose sensorsdiscussed above in any or all respects. As shown in FIG. 16, the nosesensor 400 can include an upper sensor body 404, a lower sensor body402, and a joint 408, which can be respectively similar to the uppersensor body 204, 304, the lower sensor body 202, 302, and the joint 208,308 described above in connection with the nose sensors 200, 300. Thenose sensor 400 can include any one, or any combination, of features ofthe nose sensors 200, 300. For example, the nose sensor 400 can includea lens, diffuser, cover, spacer, joint, and/or other features describedwith reference to nose sensors 200, 300.

Although this disclosure has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the disclosure and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosurehave been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunctionwith a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood tobe applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described inthis section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatibletherewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or allof the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined inany combination, except combinations where at least some of suchfeatures and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is notrestricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protectionextends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination,of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimedcombination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and thecombination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of asubcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or describedin the specification in a particular order, such operations need not beperformed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or thatall operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Otheroperations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in theexample methods and processes. For example, one or more additionaloperations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or betweenany of the described operations. Further, the operations may berearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken inthe processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shownin the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the stepsdescribed above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, thefeatures and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above maybe combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all ofwhich fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, theseparation of various system components in the implementations describedabove should not be understood as requiring such separation in allimplementations, and it should be understood that the describedcomponents and systems can generally be integrated together in a singleproduct or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages maybe achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure maybe embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or agroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unlessspecifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within thecontext as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,”“about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent avalue, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, orcharacteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves adesired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”,“generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is withinless than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, withinless than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.Additionally, as used herein, “gradually” has its ordinary meaning(e.g., differs from a non-continuous, such as a step-like, change).

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by thespecific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section orelsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims aspresented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or aspresented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpretedbroadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited tothe examples described in the present specification or during theprosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed asnon-exclusive.

1. (canceled)
 2. A physiological sensor configured to be secured to aportion of a user's nose, the physiological sensor comprising: an uppersensor body comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion extending between the front and rear portions,wherein the front portion is substantially planar; a lower sensor bodycomprising a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portionextending between the front and rear portions, wherein the front portionof the lower sensor body is substantially planar; an emitter configuredto emit light of one or more wavelengths towards tissue of the user'snose when the physiological sensor is in use, wherein the emitter isoperably positioned by the front portion of the upper sensor body; adetector configured to detect at least a portion of the light emittedfrom the emitter after attenuation through the tissue of the user's nosewhen the physiological sensor is in use, wherein the detector isoperably positioned by the front portion of the lower sensor body and isfurther configured to the generate one or more signals responsive to thedetected at least the portion of the light; and a joint configured torotatably couple the upper and lower sensor bodies together and allowthe upper and lower sensor bodies to rotate with respect to each otherbetween a first position and a second position, the first position beinga neutral position of the physiological sensor, wherein the frontportions of the upper and lower sensor bodies are closer to each otherwhen in the first position than when in the second position; wherein theintermediate portions of the upper and lower sensor bodies cooperatetogether to form the joint; wherein the upper and lower sensor bodiesare biased toward the neutral position; wherein the intermediate portionof the upper sensor body comprises a first portion and a second portion,the second portion being positioned between the front portion of theupper sensor body and the first portion of the intermediate portion;wherein the upper sensor body curves away from the lower sensor body atthe first portion of the intermediate portion and curves toward thelower sensor body at the second portion of the intermediate portionthereby causing: a first plane defined by the substantially planar frontportion of the upper sensor body to be transverse with respect to asecond plane defined by the substantially planar front portion of thelower sensor body when the upper and lower sensor bodies are in theneutral position; and the first plane defined by the substantiallyplanar front portion of the upper sensor body to be substantiallyparallel with respect to the second plane defined by the substantiallyplanar front portion of the lower sensor body when the upper and lowersensor bodies are in the second position.
 3. The physiological sensor ofclaim 2, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias theupper and lower sensor bodies toward the neutral position.
 4. Thephysiological sensor of claim 3, wherein the upper sensor body comprisesa cylindrical protrusion extending from the rear portion of the uppersensor body towards the lower sensor body, and wherein the cylindricalprotrusion is configured to receive a first end of the biasing member.5. The physiological sensor of claim 4, wherein the lower sensor bodycomprises a cylindrical recess extending from the rear portion of thelower sensor body towards the upper sensor body, and wherein thecylindrical protrusion is configured to receive a second end of thebiasing member.
 6. The physiological sensor of claim 2, wherein thejoint comprises: a first joint portion extending from the intermediateportion of the upper sensor body toward the lower sensor body; and asecond joint portion extending from the intermediate portion of lowersensor body toward the upper sensor body, wherein the first and secondjoint portions of the joint are pivotably coupled to one another.
 7. Thephysiological sensor of claim 6, wherein the joint further comprises athird joint portion extending from the intermediate portion of the lowersensor body toward the upper sensor body, the third joint portion beingspaced from the second joint portion by a gap that is configured toreceive at least a portion of the first joint portion.
 8. Thephysiological sensor of claim 7, wherein: the first joint portioncomprises a slot; the second joint portion comprises a first hole; thethird joint portion comprises a second hole; and the physiologicalsensor further comprises a pin extending through the slot of the firstjoint portion and within at least a portion of each of the first andsecond holes.
 9. The physiological sensor of claim 8, wherein each ofthe first and second holes comprises a cross-section having a diameterand wherein the slot of the first joint comprises a cross-section havinga length that is greater than said diameter.
 10. The physiologicalsensor of claim 2, wherein the front portion of the upper sensor bodycomprises an inner surface defining a recessed portion configured toreceive a spacer, said spacer configured to operably position theemitter.
 11. A physiological sensor configured to be secured to aportion of a user's nose, the physiological sensor comprising: an uppersensor body comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion extending between the front and rear portions; alower sensor body comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion extending between the front and rear portions,; anemitter configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths towardstissue of the user's nose when the physiological sensor is in use,wherein the emitter is operably positioned by the front portion of theupper sensor body; a detector configured to detect at least a portion ofthe light emitted from the emitter after attenuation through the tissueof the user's nose when the physiological sensor is in use, wherein thedetector is operably positioned by the front portion of the lower sensorbody and is further configured to the generate one or more signalsresponsive to the detected at least the portion of the light; and ajoint configured to rotatably couple the upper and lower sensor bodiestogether and allow the upper and lower sensor bodies to rotate withrespect to each other between a first position and a second position,the first position being a neutral position of the physiological sensor,wherein the front portions of the upper and lower sensor bodies arecloser to each other when in the first position than when in the secondposition, and wherein the upper and lower sensor bodies are biasedtoward the neutral position; wherein the intermediate portion of theupper sensor body comprises a first portion and a second portion, thesecond portion being positioned between the front portion of the uppersensor body and the first portion of the intermediate portion; andwherein the upper sensor body curves away from the lower sensor body atthe first portion of the intermediate portion and curves toward thelower sensor body at the second portion of the intermediate portionthereby causing: the emitter operably positioned by the front portion ofthe upper sensor body to be not aligned with the detector operablypositioned by the front portion of the lower sensor body when the upperand lower sensor bodies are in the neutral position; and the emitteroperably positioned by the front portion of the upper sensor body to bealigned with detector operably positioned by the front portion of thelower sensor body when the upper and lower sensor bodies are in thesecond position.
 12. The physiological sensor of claim 11, wherein: whenthe upper and lower sensor bodies are in the neutral position, the frontportion of the upper sensor body is transverse with respect to the frontportion of the lower sensor body; and when the upper and lower sensorbodies are in the second position, the front portion of the upper sensorbody is substantially parallel with respect to the front portion of thelower sensor body.
 13. The physiological sensor of claim 11, furthercomprising a biasing member configured to bias the upper and lowersensor bodies toward the neutral position.
 14. The physiological sensorof claim 13, wherein the biasing member is a spring.
 15. Thephysiological sensor of claim 13, wherein: the upper sensor bodycomprises a cylindrical protrusion extending from the rear portion ofthe upper sensor body towards the lower sensor body, and wherein thecylindrical protrusion is configured to receive a first end of thebiasing member; and the lower sensor body comprises a cylindrical recessextending from the rear portion of the lower sensor body towards theupper sensor body, and wherein the cylindrical protrusion is configuredto receive a second end of the biasing member.
 16. The physiologicalsensor of claim 11, wherein the joint comprises: a first joint portionextending from the intermediate portion of the upper sensor body towardthe lower sensor body; a second joint portion extending from theintermediate portion of lower sensor body toward the upper sensor body;and a third joint portion extending from the intermediate portion of thelower sensor body toward the upper sensor body, the third joint portionbeing spaced from the second joint portion by a gap that is configuredto receive at least a portion of the first joint portion, wherein thefirst joint portion is pivotably coupled to the second and third jointportions.
 17. The physiological sensor of claim 16, wherein: the firstjoint portion comprises a slot; the second joint portion comprises afirst hole; the third joint portion comprises a second hole; thephysiological sensor further comprises a pin extending through the slotof the first joint portion and within at least a portion of each of thefirst and second holes; each of the first and second holes comprises across-section having a diameter and wherein the slot of the first jointcomprises a cross-section having a length that is greater than saiddiameter.
 18. A physiological sensor configured to be secured to aportion of a user's nose, the physiological sensor comprising: an uppersensor body comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion extending between the front and rear portions; alower sensor body comprising a front portion, a rear portion, and anintermediate portion extending between the front and rear portions; anemitter configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths towardstissue of the user's nose when the physiological sensor is in use,wherein the emitter is operably positioned by the front portion of theupper sensor body; a detector configured to detect at least a portion ofthe light emitted from the emitter after attenuation through the tissueof the user's nose when the physiological sensor is in use, wherein thedetector is operably positioned by the front portion of the lower sensorbody and is further configured to the generate one or more signalsresponsive to the detected at least the portion of the light; and ajoint configured to rotatably couple the upper and lower sensor bodiestogether and allow the upper and lower sensor bodies to rotate withrespect to each other between a first position and a second position,the first position being a neutral position of the physiological sensor,wherein the front portions of the upper and lower sensor bodies arecloser to each other when in the first position than when in the secondposition; wherein the intermediate portion of the upper sensor bodycomprises a first portion and a second portion, the second portion beingpositioned between the front portion of the upper sensor body and thefirst portion of the intermediate portion; and wherein the upper sensorbody curves away from the lower sensor body at the first portion of theintermediate portion and curves toward the lower sensor body at thesecond portion of the intermediate portion thereby causing: the emitterto be not aligned with the detector when the upper and lower sensorbodies are in the neutral position; and the emitter to be aligned withthe detector when the upper and lower sensor bodies are in the secondposition.
 19. The physiological sensor of claim 18, further comprising abiasing member configured to bias the upper and lower sensor bodiestoward the neutral position.
 20. The physiological sensor of claim 18,wherein the joint is formed by the intermediate portions of the upperand lower sensor bodies.
 21. The physiological sensor of claim 18,wherein: when the upper and lower sensor bodies are in the neutralposition, the front portion of the upper sensor body is transverse withrespect to the front portion of the lower sensor body; and when theupper and lower sensor bodies are in the second position, the frontportion of the upper sensor body is substantially parallel with respectto the front portion of the lower sensor body.